June is Men's Health Month

Men’s Health Month is the time to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage men to make “Prevention a Priority” by adopting healthy habits.* Because of its impact on spouses, parents, children, and siblings, men’s health is not just a man’s issue, but a family one.

Men are almost twice as likely as women to die from heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Many health conditions can be prevented or detected early with regular checkups from a healthcare provider. Regular screenings may include blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, prostate health and more.

Men can also reduce their risk of developing these conditions, or lessen the impact of chronic disease, by taking simple steps to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

· Activity: Physical activity is essential to maintaining one’s health. Participating in a regular exercise class or visiting a fitness center could prove enjoyable. But really, just about any form of movement can help increase activity level — taking a walk, playing with one’s grandkids, using stairs instead of an elevator, doing yard work, or playing a sport. Keep comfortable walking shoes handy at work and in the car. Most importantly, choose activities that you enjoy to stay motivated.

· Healthy Eating: When changing eating habits, one should start by taking small steps like saying “no” to super-sizing and “yes” to a healthy breakfast. Eating whole foods that include vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins and each meal is a much healthier practice than consuming processed foods. Eating many different types of foods can provide all the vitamins and minerals one might need.

· Socializing: Social activity isn’t just fun, it is good for one’s health. Social isolation is a powerful risk factor for poor health. However, social connectedness has direct positive effects on health, and social support can help buffer the health-related effects of aging. Social activity is also known to enhance one’s mood.

North Shore Senior Center provides many opportunities for men to incorporate healthy activities into their lifestyles, such as golf, biking, and hiking. Our Men’s Fitness class is a small group exercise program developed for men. The Men’s Club is a great opportunity for men to meet others and socialize. Health education and healthy eating classes provide even more information on how to incorporate healthy behaviors and activities into one’s life. North Shore Senior Center also offers health screenings, flu shots, and other health services. To learn more, visit our website, call 847.784.6030, or contact LifelongLearning@nssc.org.

*For more information on Men’s Health Month, visit MensHealthMonth.org and the Men’s Health Network.